Reviews of Sylvan Lake Traditional Karate

My "karate family" is how I would describe this dojo.

Sensei Doug Smith is a pillar of the Sylvan Lake community.

The adult class consists of many senior black and brown belts who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.

Sensei Doug Smith, a martial artist of more than thirty years, presides over an exceptional club-style dojo with an intimately smallish adult population. I attended SLTK several times as a warmly-received guest in the summer of 2016. I was tremendously impressed both by the rigour and intensity of the training and the positivity and open-mindedness of the mat culture that Sensei Doug has cultivated.

I have trained on and off since the late 1980s in several styles, Tae Kwon Do, most recently and I am the father of a dedicated young martial-artist. Sensei Doug, in my experience, stands out as a mentor who has the talent, teaching skills an passion to make a real difference.

I would unhesitatingly recommend SLTK for anyone from beginner to black-belt.

I have been a student of Doug Smith for many years and if you are looking for a friendly school with a teacher that has a lot of experience, look no further. Not just for children. The students in this dojo span five decades. Hope to see you in class.

A friendly and welcoming place. Before and after class, there is almost always conversation and laughter, where everyone is encouraged to be a part. Classes are well run, with a focus on health, exercise, and warming up to start, then shift towards the very real. Sensei Doug Smith teaches karate, not as a sport, but as a martial art, there is very little focus on competition, you will not find a wall full of trophies, but you will find a class of students taught techniques who's effectiveness has been developed over centuries, and all of it tempered and refined by a very real sense of discipline, courtesy, and respect for not just fellow students, but everyone we encounter in our day to day lives. If all you want is to fight, go elsewhere, if all you want is to win medals and trophies, go elsewhere. If you want to learn a real art, in a friendly safe environment, meet good people, and develop mental and physical health, confidence and self discipline. Please come and check it out.

I travel to the Sylvan Lake dojo and participate in a seminar or two whenever I can. The seminars with guest instructors are fun and informative and the club is a fantastic host. I appreciate Sensei Smith's teaching and his eagerness to continue his own learning and improvement. He is great at instructing children and adults alike and is a true "gentle man". I am impressed by the power and speed he can turn on instantly when performing both karate and kobudo katas and the spirit he shows when sparring. This club is a true karate gem in a world that has many "wanna be" martial arts schools.

This Dojo is the complete package. Kata, Kumite, Kobudo, History, and Theory. Quality instruction from Sensei Doug and very knowledgeable senior students. The Sylvan Lake Traditional Karate Dojo is a top-notch place for all levels and ages to learn, train, and grow.

Sylvan Lake Traditional Karate is a beautiful, comfortable and safe environment for any person of any age or ability to learn, train, and have fun.

I have been training with Sensei Smith for almost 5 years and look forward to many years to come!

This is a beautiful dojo with a wonderfully knowledgeable instructor.

I absolutely recommend Sylvan Lake Traditional Karate for anyone looking for a traditional Karate Dojo.

Sensei Doug is a very good instructor. I have been training in Goju Ryu karate for around 9 years most of which with Sensei Doug. I would recommend this school to anyone that's want to lean karate in a fun and safe environment.

The teacher Doug is an excellent teacher who knows what he is talking about when it comes to chop chop and you can feel his enthusiasm within the class. His way of teaching is practical in real world application. Doug also strongly encourages respect of self and others. I would suggest to any age interested in some fun!!!!!